The arguments against marijuana can’t be used against alcohol as justification as they are two distinct issues. Here’s Cathi Harrod of Center for Arizona Policy comments in a recent post regarding Arizona’s Prop 205.
Listen to what this Colorado educator
has experienced since marijuana was legalized in his state.
In Colorado:
- Teen marijuana use is 74% higher than the national average. Colorado is #1 in teen marijuana and illicit drug use. The legal age to use marijuana in CO is 21, the same age required in Arizona under Prop 205.
- Newborns testing positive for marijuana are on the rise. In one hospital alone, half of newborn babies test positive for marijuana.
- Marijuana-related fatal car crashes have increased 67% since legalization. They doubled in Washington State. In Colorado, marijuana-related DUI offenses doubled.
- When legislators saw an increase in children ER visits due to accidental marijuana ingestion; they responded by banning marijuana-laced gummy bears. There have also been a number of cases of pets getting sick from accidentally eating drug-laced snacks. Note: Arizona’s legislature would not be able to make the same changes to the law because ballot measures are voter protected in Arizona.
- Colorado is the #1 state in the nation for marijuana use overall.
- Marijuana-related emergency room visits by visitors to the state doubled in the first year and are up 49% overall.
- Many schools have seen no money despite promises made during the campaign. Colorado’s top marijuana official said tax revenue from legal marijuana is a “red herring … you’re not going to pave your roads and pay your teachers with marijuana tax revenue.”
- Despite promises to the contrary, the black market in Colorado thrives. Colorado’s attorney general says illegal dealers are “hiding in plain sight.” Surrounding states have taken legal action against Colorado in an effort to stop the importation of marijuana into their states.
- There are more pot shops than both McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Voting No on Prop 205 will not affect medical marijuana laws currently in effect. Vote No to protect Arizona from increasing crime and accidents.
